Development Economics Research Articles

Do public-private partnerships (PPPs) promote the sustainable development of infrastructure (SDI)? Evidence from China

PurposeTo address challenges such as inadequate funding and inefficiency in public infrastructure construction, PPPs have gained significant global traction. This study aims to comprehensively assess the impacts and mechanisms of PPPs on the SDI and to provide rational policy recommendations based on the findings.Design/methodology/approachWe collated a dataset from 30 Chinese provinces covering the years 2005–2020 as our research sample. The study’s hypotheses are tested using a double fixed-effects model, a chained mediated-effects model and a multidimensional heterogeneity analysis.FindingsOur findings indicate that PPPs have a facilitating effect on SDI in general. This boost usually lags behind policy implementation and is cyclical in the time dimension. In the spatial dimension, PPPs contribute significantly to SDI in the eastern and western regions, but not in the central region. From the perspective of the dynamics of economic, social and industrial development, PPPs in economically backward areas are difficult to promote SDI, promote it the most in economically medium regions and are slightly less in economically developed regions than in medium regions. This promotion effect has an inverted U-shaped relationship with social development and diminishes with industrial structure upgrading. Finally, due to the negative relationship between PPPs and social development and between social development and SDI, PPPs are shown to contribute to SDI and are identified as critical paths. However, PPPs suppress SDI by inhibiting economic and industrial development.Originality/valueThis study makes three novel contributions to the existing body of knowledge: (1) we innovatively introduce the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the field of infrastructure research, offering fresh perspectives on SDI enhancement; (2) revealing the mechanisms by which PPPs affect SDI through the three dimensions of economic, social and industrial development enabling policymakers to better understand and optimize resource allocation and improve planning, design and management of PPP projects for sustainable infrastructure and (3) we assess the spatiotemporal variances of PPPs’ effects on SDI and the diversity across regions at different social, economic and industrial structures developmental stages, offering critical insights to global decision-makers to devise tailored policy measures.

Unveiling power dynamics in Latin American economic education: A Foucauldian analysis of development economics discourses

This study explores Latin American perspectives on heterodox economic development by analyzing 23 development economics syllabi and conducting 37 semi-structured interviews with educators and students. Using a Foucauldian framework and an Archaeology of Knowledge approach, this research uncovers regional viewpoints and variations in course content. Results highlight the dominance of the neoclassical paradigm in syllabi and diverse opinions on development. This study provides nuanced insights into the coexistence of orthodox and heterodox paradigms in Latin America, revealing complex dynamics and power relations within economic education and the broader discourse on development in the region.

Re-Viewing Sumitro’s Policy and Industrial Maturity: Powering Downstream and Manufacturing Industries for Economic Growth and Sustainable Society

During the 1950s, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo contributed in a significant manner to the construction of the economy of Indonesia, along with other figures, namely Mohammad Hatta, Sjafruddin Prawiranegara, and Djuanda Kartawidjaja. During this period, Sumitro promoted policies to drive industrialization in Indonesia and self-reliance to transform Indonesia from a colonial economy into a developing nation. Soemitro Djojohadikusumo’s economic policies were pivotal in shaping Indonesia’s post-colonial economy; focusing on production and industrial sovereignty, he emphasized reducing dependency on imports by fostering domestic industries, especially strategic sectors like heavy industry and natural resource processing, which he saw as crucial to national sovereignty. Soemitro also promoted stimulating economic activities through both public investment and private sector engagement, aiming to diversify the economy and drive sustained growth. Many of the challenges Soemitro addressed, such as infrastructural gaps and weak technological readiness, which remain relevant today. This research analyzes to what extent the economic policy shaped by Sumitro impacts Indonesia’s development. This analysis has significance in understanding Indonesia’s contemporary economic planning and trends, particularly in terms of economic policy shaped by the newly elected President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto. Analysis of Sumitro’s policy is conducted through the lenses of the industrial maturity concept, which is relevant to growth theory, resource-based view, and development economics. Indonesia’s pursuit of industrial maturity is crucial for transforming its raw resource-based economy into one that competes globally by adding value to domestic production. The need to revitalize manufacturing and strengthen downstream industries is critical for boosting competitiveness and integrating circular economic principles that emphasize sustainability. Soemitro’s vision of empowering society aligns with modern approaches to creating a more inclusive economy. However, infrastructure bottlenecks, a lagging education system, and regulatory complexities continue to slow the progress. Addressing supply chain challenges through regional industrial clustering and focusing on efficiency will be vital for overcoming these barriers. Further empirical research is needed to explore how infrastructure, education reform, and regulatory simplification can enhance Indonesia’s industrial maturity and sustainable economic development.

How Does Digital Economy Influence Green Mobility for Sustainable Development? Moderating Effect of Policy Instruments

The role of green mobility as a low-carbon lifestyle in carbon reduction and sustainable development cannot be ignored. The digital economy effectively promotes green mobility for sustainable energy use in the broader setting of the significant data era and sustainable development. This study utilizes the panel data of 264 cities in China from 2011 to 2021 to construct a two-way fixed-effects regression model to analyze the impact of the digital economy on residents’ green mobility and the indirect impact mechanism of the two policy tools, a low-carbon transportation pilot and carbon emissions trading, from theoretical and empirical aspects. The results show that digital economic development helps promote residents’ green mobility. In addition, the implementation of low-carbon transportation pilots and carbon trading policies has strengthened the role of the digital economy in promoting green mobility. The findings remain after introducing robustness tests such as “smart city” pilots as exogenous shock policies. A heterogeneity study suggests that the effect of the digital economy on green mobility for residents is more significant in economically developed and human capital-rich areas. This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the role of the digital economy in promoting sustainable urban transportation and by demonstrating the moderating effects of policy instruments, thereby offering practical insights for policymakers aiming to reduce urban pollution and enhance sustainable development.

Gender inequality in the public sphere as perceived by Muslim female graduate students at a Pakistani higher education institution – a critical grounded theory perspective

Purpose The subject of gender inequality has been approached by academics of various fields – psychologists, political scientists, developmental economists, feminists, sociologists, among others. Although there is a considerable amount of evidence indicating the presence of gender bias in various aspects of educational and work life in Muslim countries, not many studies have attempted to understand the female perspective during extra- and co-curricular activities in higher education institutions (HEIs) and their coping strategies. Design/methodology/approach A critical grounded theory approach was used. Findings The findings indicate that the role of female “religio-socio-cultural” stereotypes mutually reinforces each other to perpetuate an uneven playing field. Females have evolved many strategies to cope, including creation of sub-private spheres within larger public spheres and restricting their interactions to specific strata within the public sphere. Originality/value The study provides a female perspective regarding participation during extra- and co-curricular activities in a HEI in a Muslim majority context using critical grounded theory.

Economic cyber-physical space: theoretical and methodological genesis and modern trends of formation and development

In this scientific study, the socio-economic and technical and technological features of the new economic and technological paradigm are high lighted. As a result of the analysis of trends in the development of the Industry 4.0 market and digital initiatives adopted in the world, the prerequisites for the formation of an economic cyber-physical space at the national level have been identified, and the relevance of the subject of scientific research has been substantiated. Based on the analysis of the evolutionary development of spatial economics, the research of scientific schools is systematized and theoretical and methodological schemes belonging to representatives of the German, French (continental), Anglo-Saxon and Russian schools of spatial economics are analyzed. As a result, the postulates of the economic cyberphysical space are developed and the author's interpretation of the concept of economic cyber physical space is proposed.

Modern approaches in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention from obesity

Today, from 1.0 to 1.9 billion adults are overweight, including 312-650 million of them, and 124 million children and adolescents are obese. In Russia and Europe, about 60% of residents are obese and overweight. According to WHO forecasts, by 2025 the number of obese patients will double and will account for 30-50% of the population of economically developed countries. Morbid obesity is usually a multifactorial disease that is acquired and progresses under the influence of many factors (geography, level of economic development, cultural values, lifestyle, and others) as well as hereditary predisposition. Among people suffering from comorbid obesity, there is an atypical course of concomitant comorbid diseases. Against the background of morbid obesity, the likelihood of acquiring other diseases of organs and systems increases: the cardiovascular system, hormonal system, digestive tract, erosive esophagitis, fatty liver dystrophy, cirrhosis of the liver, obstructive sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, etc. To confirm the presence of morbid obesity in humans, the following indicators are evaluated: the number of kilograms per square meter of human body area (BMI calculation), waist circumference, triglyceride index, as well as the use of instrumental diagnostics: radiation and ultrasound methods to study the level of obesity of internal organs. To date, orlistat, sibutramine and liraglutide have been registered in Russia for the conservative therapy of morbid obesity, i.e. the choice of drugs is very limited. Surgical methods and electrical stimulation of the stomach are also used. Obesity ranked 5th in the world ranking of risk factors for premature death. A targeted policy and an integrated approach aimed at improving the system of medical care for overweight and obese patients should become key factors in achieving the national goal of improving people's health and well-being. The expansion of preventive measures at the local, regional and federal levels will help significantly reduce the spread of this pathology and prevent the development of an "obesity pandemic".

Quantitative assessment of PM2.5-related human health impacts at the provincial level in China and analysis of its heterogeneity affected by economic structural transformation

Rapid economic development has led to massive fossil energy consumption and emissions of air pollutants such as PM2.5, which have severely impacted human health and the environment. By uncovering the primary regions and pivotal sectors of PM2.5-related human health impacts (PM2.5-HHI) and evaluating the influence of economic structural factors on them, we can facilitate a more targeted strategy for managing PM2.5 pollution sources. This study employs a structural decomposition analysis method based on input–output analysis to evaluate the impact of China’s provincial economic structural transformation and changes in final demand on PM2.5-HHI in the years 2012, 2015, and 2017. Results indicated that PM2.5-HHI is primarily concentrated in economically developed provinces (e.g., Shandong and Guangdong), which is compared to Shanghai, Heilongjiang, Liaoning, and Hebei experienced negative growth in PM2.5-HHI during 2007–2017. The production-based PM2.5-HHI is primarily driven by energy-intensive sectors such as the production and distribution of electric power and heat power. By contrast, the building sector is key to driving consumption-based PM2.5-HHI. An increasing number of regions are reducing PM2.5-HHI by implementing production structure changes. Moreover, the driving effect of production structure changes on PM2.5-HHI growth is strengthening in Beijing and Tianjin. Changes in the final demand structure mainly led to the growth of PM2.5-HHI in areas with higher economic development levels, such as Beijing and Shandong, but this driving effect is weakening. The final demand–driven PM2.5-HHI shows an evolutionary trend of an increasing share driven by fixed capital formation and exports and a decreasing share driven by household consumption. Changes in emission intensity play a key role in decreasing PM2.5-HHI in each region. Alternatively, changes in the structure of emission sources have a relatively minor impact on PM2.5-HHI. To mitigate PM2.5-HHI, regional economic and resource endowment advantages should be used to promote regional coordinated development and strengthen green production-process innovation in energy-intensive industries. Meanwhcile, it is necessary to optimize urban construction planning and improve the energy efficiency of buildings.

Regional Coexistence in the Digital Era: Spatial–Temporal Evolution and Sustainable Strategies of the Coupled System in the Yangtze River Basin, China

Against the backdrop of globalization and ecological civilization, this study aims to analyze the patterns of system coupling coordination development in the Yangtze River Basin under the interacting influences of population growth, ecological conservation, energy utilization, and digital economic development. Using a multisource model, this paper explores the state of coordinated development, spatial–temporal evolution characteristics, and influencing factors in the Yangtze River Basin from 2011 to 2020. The results indicate the following: (1) The overall degree of coupling coordination in the Yangtze River Basin shows better performances in the eastern coastal areas compared to the central and western regions. Over time, the spatial autocorrelation of coupling and coordination increases, exhibiting a significant spatial clustering trend. (2) The Moran’s I index increased from 0.327 to 0.370, with high–high clusters primarily distributed in economically developed coastal provinces, while low–low clusters were observed in remote provinces in the central and western regions, revealing regional development imbalance issues. (3) The driving force analysis shows that green coverage and GDP are the core factors influencing the spatial differentiation of coupling coordinated development. Factors such as the urbanization rate, nighttime light index, and energy consumption had significant impacts in certain years but are generally considered minor factors. The results of this study not only contribute to understanding the dynamic mechanisms of regional coupling and development but also provide a scientific basis for formulating regional coordinated development policies, promoting the achievement of win–win goals of economic growth and ecological civilization in the Yangtze River Basin and similar regions.

Versatile Shades of Economics

The concept of "Versatile Shades of Economics" explores the diverse and interconnected facets of economic theory and practice. This paper delves into the complexity of economics, emphasizing its broad scope across various dimensions, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, and financial systems such as capitalism and socialism. It highlights the contrast between rational and behavioural economics, while also considering specialized fields like development, environmental, and international economics. The role of political, institutional, and feminist economics is discussed, revealing how social, cultural, and political factors shape economic outcomes. By examining these multifaceted approaches, this exploration provides a comprehensive understanding of how economics addresses global challenges, adapts to evolving societal needs, and remains a dynamic force in shaping both policy and everyday life.

The Many Republics of Hunger

This article is the Sixth Sam Moyo Memorial Lecture delivered by Professor Utsa Patnaik during the SMAIAS/ASN Summer School on January 16, 2023, in Harare. Professor Patnaik argues that the discourse in development economics is so completely dominated by fallacious ideas emanating from the conservative economics departments of universities in advanced industrial countries, and economists in the Global South tend to be so completely hegemonized by these fallacious ideas that they pay little or no attention to long-term trends in their own economies that impact adversely the welfare of the poorest of their own populations. A most important long-term trend—to be precise, the trend over the last four decades of neoliberal policies—has been the declining per capita consumption of food grains in countries of the Global South, associated with their increasing opening up to free trade under the incessant pressure of industrial nations.

An examination of direct and indirect taxation in OECD countries and the case of Greece

This paper attempts to analyze and interpret the principles of direct and indirect taxation. Initially, a theoretical approach to the general concepts and principles governing tax law is presented. It is followed by a presentation of the Greek tax and financial system. The key points demonstrating the harmonization of tax legislation, in accordance with the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) guidelines so far are highlighted. Any future reform of the Greek national tax system should incorporate the fundamental principles of national tax policy. Additionally, it must be in line with OECD principles and guidelines. The further implementation of the Organization's recommendations will shift the balance between direct and indirect taxation, leading to strengthening the first and reducing the second. Over the last decades, the ratio of direct to indirect taxes has been on the increase, particularly in developed countries. The main reason is that direct taxation is socially just and effective. Direct taxation is attributed by the liable person, while indirect taxation is transferred according to the ability of each person to react to the relevant market. The OECD supports, for member countries, the strengthening of direct taxation, which takes into account income and other social criteria and satisfies both the criterion of efficiency and the criterion of fair distribution of economic burdens. On the contrary, indirect taxation is reduced to inversely progressive taxation in terms of the income of consumers and is not consistent with the OECD principles of socially just and effective taxation in economically developed countries. The taxation of the citizens in general follows the principle of the citizens contributing to the public burdens according to their powers, for there is nothing more unjust than to treat unequal men as equals. From this proportional treatment of the taxing units, the constitutional principle of equality is also satisfied by reflection.

Exploring the Scope and Impact of Vocational Education and Skill Development Programs on Women’s Self-Help Groups

Women's self-help groups (WSHGs) have arisen as an important tool for women's empowerment and socioeconomic development in many nations, particularly in developing areas. Skill development and vocational education programs aimed at women in these categories have received attention as possible catalysts for increasing their economic independence, social status, and general well-being. The purpose of this article is to look at the influence of skill development and vocational education efforts on women's self-help groups, with a particular emphasis on economic empowerment, community development, and female agency. Drawing on empirical evidence and theoretical frameworks, this study investigates the mechanisms by which skill development and vocational education programs contribute to women's empowerment in self-help groups, as well as the broader implications for gender equality and sustainable development.

Digital economy, risk attitudes, and entrepreneurial decision-making in urban and rural households in China

Using data from the 2019 China Household Finance Survey, this study examines how the digital economy and household risk attitudes affect entrepreneurial decision-making in urban and rural Chinese households. Risk-taking families are more likely to become entrepreneurs, particularly in economically developed eastern regions. Furthermore, integrating the digital economy boosts entrepreneurial activities within households, especially in the central and western regions. Based on these findings, the government and relevant institutions should strengthen digital infrastructure in the central and western regions, as well as establish an evaluation and monitoring mechanism to ensure the effectiveness of policy measures to promote balanced economic development and sustainable growth in household entrepreneurial activity.

The modern methodological conceptions and the development of anglo-american economics in the 20th century

Purpose: The aim of this article is to reconstruct the basic methodological assumptions that are relevant to contemporary conceptions of the science of economics developing in English and American literature during the 20th century. Methodology/approach: The paper aims to outline the logical structure of scientific theories in economics, which determines the objectivity of this science. Theoretical testing of hypotheses is performed by referring to more general and higher theoretical knowledge. Findings: The prevalence of utilitarian attitudes described in the article, which limit economic cognition to cost and profit calculations and economic processes to activities around profit maximisation, promotes the instrumentalisation of the norms and principles of this science, and indirectly indicates the absence of other autonomous values besides profit. Practical implications: Making the starting point in this article expressed in the work of British and American classics writing in the twentieth century demonstrates that they were moderate and flexible thinkers, as the structure of their theories reflects the changes that occurred in the leading methodological currents of the time. Originality/value: In every epoch of the development of the science of economics, there are concepts that consciously need to be guarded against variability (e.g. the concept of truth) and to strive to ensure that methodological concepts form as coherent a scientific belief system as possible.

Daniel Kahneman (1934-2024).

This article memorializes Daniel Kahneman (1934-2024), Danny was always fascinated by the complexities and inconsistencies of human behavior, beliefs, values, and tastes, if also by the grand problems of philosophy. His pioneering work led to his influential theory of attention as a limited resource that could be allocated to various tasks presented in his first book, Attention and Effort (1974). Prospect theory remained his most cited work by far and was the central work cited in his Nobel Prize award in 2002. Danny's Nobel Prize Lecture, carried the seeds of his highly influential book, Thinking Fast and Slow (2011). His research influenced policy and program development in economics, philosophy, psychology, and artificial intelligence. Highlights of Kahneman's career and professional contributions are noted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Toward an Understanding of Economic Development in Post-2003 Iraq

Citizen inclusion in politics and voluntary organizations, a vibrant press and media, regular elections, or greater “political inclusion” more generally are often presented—both by international organizations as well as some researchers—as elements likely, even necessary, to promote “economic inclusion” and a more equitable distribution of material benefits. We avoid structural approaches that emphasize oil and instead utilize institutional analysis to understand Iraq’s post-2003 economic and social trajectory. Specifically, we analyze how Iraq’s post-2003 political settlement along with its already deteriorating economic institutions and unfavorable economic and social conditions have combined to shape poor economic outcomes. We show, using the World Bank’s World Governance Indicators as well as other data that the more inclusive political institutions that were established in Iraq post-2003 have worked to impede economic development and inclusion. That is, increased political openness and inclusion has not resulted in greater economic inclusion; instead, Iraq’s political institutions have worked to constrain economic inclusion and a more egalitarian distribution of oil income. This revisits a classic debate in development economics and casts doubt on the reliability of the often-promoted relationship between political pluralism and economic development.

Sustainable Spatial Distribution and Determinants of Key Rural Tourism Villages in China: Promoting Balanced Regional Development

Understanding the spatial distribution and sustainable development of rural tourism is essential for promoting balanced regional growth and formulating optimized policy strategies. This study aims to provide insights into sustainable development and policy optimization. Utilizing geographic information system technology, dominance analysis, and Geodetector statistical methods, this research offers a comprehensive examination of the spatial patterns and determinants of these distributions. The findings reveal significant regional disparities and clustering, with a higher concentration of key villages in economically developed eastern and central regions and fewer in the less developed western regions. The dominance analysis highlights that provinces such as Zhejiang, Shandong, and Beijing demonstrate strong advantages across multiple dimensions, including ecological environment, economic development, tourism infrastructure, transportation accessibility, policy support, and social development. Conversely, regions such as Ningxia, Qinghai, and Tibet exhibit lower dominance scores, indicating challenges in rural tourism development due to limited resources and infrastructure. Key influencing factors include forest coverage, GDP per capita, the number of star-rated hotels, transportation network density, policy initiatives, and urbanization rates. The results underscore the importance of a multi-dimensional approach to enhance rural tourism competitiveness and suggest targeted strategies for underperforming regions. This study contributes to advancing the theoretical framework of sustainable rural tourism and provides actionable insights for policymakers to foster balanced regional development, ecological conservation, and community-centered tourism practices.

Research and Analysis on Regional Heterogeneity of Educational Development Level and Economic Growth

China's rapid economic development over the past 40 years has improved the overall quality of life of the population but has also brought about uneven distribution of resources. The problem of educational inequality under the conditions of uneven distribution of economic development is one of the main problems that China needs to solve. Solving the problem of educational inequality plays a positive role in social fairness, justice, and long-term stability. Based on the above background, this paper focuses on the development of education policies in recent decades, the gains and losses of education poverty alleviation, the causes of the "involutionary" competition in urban education, and the effectiveness of relevant policies. It is recommended to improve the allocation of educational resources further and invest appropriate resources in the construction of vocational and technical schools to match the current development vision of China's economy. This paper suggests that students from poor areas be allowed to study in economically developed areas to improve educational resources in poor areas in the short term. This paper also calls on the government to establish a long-term mechanism to promote the growth of the education industry and promote a positive cycle of educational development and economic development.

Tax reform in Brazil: a chance for fiscal justice and sustainability

The Brazilian government has chosen a reformist approach regarding the raising of public funds. Society is often called upon to bear expenses that exceed its economic capabilities when faced with socioeconomic crises. This situation is worsened when public policies repress economic development and call on the poorer social classes to pay for public expenditures to maintain the status quo of the most privileged. At the current juncture, several factors affect the economic performance of a country, including environmental issues. Brazil stands out on these issues, as its biodiversity is one of the highest on the planet. This study analyzes the need for tax reform in Brazil that takes environmental policies into account, a strategy that has been used successfully by economically developed countries. The objective is to verify the socioeconomic profile of Brazil and map its current tax system, demonstrating the characteristics that determine if it is a progressive or regressive system. Based on this analysis, a simplified form of taxation is proposed that can provide greater social benefit and is more beneficial and effective than retrograde labor reforms. Finally, it demonstrates the feasibility of establishing a new foundation for Brazilian taxation, based on environmental steering taxes to promote sustainability.